Growing Up King
By Dexter Scott King with Ralph Wiley

     Everyone has a story to tell, and Growing Up King is the life story of the third child of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dexter King has not had a life that many of us would envy. Nor has any member of his family. Most difficult would be the tremendous burden cast on Mrs. Coretta Scott King who was thrown into single motherhood with four young children. It is no secret that the last name of King can be perceived as both blessing and curse.

     I live in Atlanta, where the majority of this story takes place and find that around town that there are expectations of how the Kings are supposed to be. They are, maybe incorrectly, elevated to the status of royalty in the African-American community, and that can certainly prove to be difficult. This is well-intentioned adoration, but nontheless especially difficult for children. Dexter found that it got no better in adulthood. It is this dilemma that that pervades this book.

     Make no mistake, I've learned a lot more about Dexter King and the King family in general but, literarily speaking, Growing up King is poorly written. The story is chronologically told, but jumps around in thought and expression. Dexter frequently jumps from his thoughts, to the thoughts of those around him to actual dialogue, making makes the action hard to follow.

     Furthermore, if you aren't familiar with the geography of Atlanta and some of the prominent figures in Atlanta politics you might have difficulty following the massive amount of name- and location-dropping in the book. A case in point: Dexter talks about seeking privacy, protection and peace for his mother while giving out her present address. Another interesting dichotomy is the striking resemblance in the tone and tenure of Growing up King with its predecessor, Growing up X by Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of slain Nation of Islam leader, Malcolm X. My instant impression, especially after reading the book, was that Dexter was trying to follow in someone else's footsteps, still not finding his personal way, because he thinks that is what is expected of him.

     Still, I gained greater insight to this quiet, unimposing man. I learned a great deal about him personally and I appreciate the fact that he felt comfortable enough to share himself with the world. If you are a fan of the King family, read Growing up King. Dexter King shares a lot-too much, in my opinion--but everybody has a story to tell.